Transcatheter valve devices and systems

ABSTRACT

A medical assembly for endovascularly implanting a valve in the heart having a valve and a valve delivery systems for implanting and securing the valve. The valve delivery system introduces and seals the valve at the deployment site.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/943,792 (filed Apr. 3, 2018) which claims priority to ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. Nos. 62/481,846 (filed Apr. 5, 2017), 62/509,587(filed May 22, 2017), and 62/558,315 (filed Sep. 13, 2017), thedisclosures of all are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a medical assembly forminimally invasively implanting a valve in the heart, a novel valve forreplacing the native heart valve, and an anchor system for positioningand restraining the valve. The present invention also relates to methodsof implantation of components of the medical assembly and the valve.More specifically, the invention pertains to a novel transcathetervalve, transcatheter valve skirt, tether and anchor, anchor deliverysystem, and a valve delivery device as well as methods related to suchassembly for endovascularly implanting the valve across the tricuspidvalve, for replacing the function of the native tricuspid valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transcatheter valves have proven safe and effective for the replacementof native cardiac valves. Although tested extensively for replacement ofaortic, mitral, and pulmonic valves, less experience exists forreplacement of tricuspid valves given the complex and delicate anatomyto which prostheses must anchor. Also, anchoring either in the in-situposition of cardiac valves or in other body lumens remains challenginggiven great heterogeneity in shapes and sizes of either cardiac valveannuli or other lumens. In this regard, treatment of tricuspid valveregurgitation remains the most challenging, and fewer transcathetertreatments have been developed.

Tricuspid valve disease, primarily tricuspid regurgitation (TR), resultsfrom either a primary degeneration of the valve (e.g. endocarditis,rheumatic disease, carcinoid, congenital disease, drugs, perforationfrom intracardiac leads, or other causes), or more commonly fromtricuspid annular dilation, secondary to either right atrial and/orright ventricular dilation. TR causes right atrial volume overload,which congests the superior vena cava (SVC) and inferior vena cava(IVC). Congestion of SVC causes plethora of the upper body, andcongestion of the IVC causes hepatic/renal congestion, leading to signsand symptoms of congestive heart failure, namely peripheral edema,ascites, dyspnea on exertion and other symptoms. Additionally,persistent right heart volume overload from TR leads to progressiveright ventricular dilation and failure, increasing mortality. Becausepatients suffering TR typically have high surgical risk, developingminimally invasive transcatheter methods to treat TR can be important.

In 2005, Boudjemline et al developed a novel stent valve, and placed itin the tricuspid annulus of eight sheep. In one animal the valve wastrapped in tricuspid cordae, and in another animal the valve hadsignificant paravalvular regurgitation, raising concerns about thisapproach. No further development of the valve occurred. In 2008, Bai etal. tested a similar type of stent valve, implanting it into thetricuspid annulus of ten sheep. Two animals died during the procedure;despite sustained function of the valve in surviving sheep up to sixmonths, no further development of this valve has continued.

Because of these challenges of anchoring a valve in the tricuspidannulus, Lauten et al in 2010 designed and implanted stent valves in theIVC and SVC of a sheep model of severe TR, thereby minimizing thetransmission of tricuspid regurgitant volume through the vena cava toorgans. They demonstrated decreased pressure in the IVC and increasedcardiac output.

Lauten and Laule in 2011 and 2013, respectively, implanted similarcustom-made self-expanding stents in the vena cava of patients sufferingfrom severe TR, and both patients had sustained reductions in vena cavalpressures and clinical improvement at 12 months.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,995 describes a device, analogous to above method,that reduces pressure effects of TR by placing a stented tissue valve inthe SVC, secured via at least one elongate connecting member, to asecond stented tissue valve in the IVC. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US2012/0136430 A1 details a similar device, consisting of two cavalstents, connected by a bridge, with two conical valves movable along thebridge to adjust the distance between the valves.

Laule et al. further simplified the implantation of valves in the venacava by using a commercially available transcatheter valve, the SapienXT (Edwards LifeSciences, Irvine, Calif.), in the cava of threepatients, using self-expanding stents as landing zones.

The methods detailed in sections [0006-0009] suffer several limitations.Lauten's and Laule's techniques, along with the devices described in[0008] require customization to each patient, leading to biologicalvalves with a broad range in size. Inherently, such as broad range insize results in uncertain durability and function, and limits widespreadapplication given need for individual customization. Laule's techniqueof using a commercially available transcatheter valve, the Sapien valve(with its known performance and durability in thousands of patients),partially solves this, but is limited by seating difficulties andparavalvular regurgitation that would result from implantation in SVCsor IVCs bigger than the largest Sapien valve-29 mm, which occurscommonly in patients with TR. Similarly, other currently availablevalves cannot work in SVC/IVC diameters bigger than 30-31 mm.

To solve this, Lauten and colleagues have developed an SVC and IVCself-expanding prosthesis, the Tric Valve (Vertriebs GmbH, Germany),which solves some of the sizing and customization problems outlined insection [0007].

Nonetheless, the caval valve solutions outlined in [0006-0009 and 0011]suffer this same limitation; specifically, IVC and/or SVC stent valvesdo not completely restore the function of the tricuspid valve becausethey are not placed in the anatomically correct position—across thetricuspid annulus. Hence, they palliate symptoms but do notfundamentally address right ventricle (RV) volume overload caused by TR.To address volume overload, intra-annular anchoring of a valve acrossthe native tricuspid valve is required; the above techniques are notsuitable for intra-annular anchoring of transcatheter valves given thefragile and complex paraboloid annular anatomy of the tricuspid annulus,along with large and flared anchoring zones in the atria and ventriclesconnected to the annuli.

Although investigators have developed docking systems to aid inintra-annular anchoring of transcatheter valves, these techniques areless likely to work for the tricuspid valve for several reasons. Forexample, Barbanti and colleagues have tested the Helio transcatheteraortic dock (Edwards LifeSciences, Irvine, Calif.), a self-expandingstent covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), to serve asa platform across a severely regurgitant aortic valve to anchor a Sapientranscatheter aortic valve. Although effective in this location, thisplatform would not remain anchored in a tricuspid annulus; unlike theaortic annulus, the tricuspid annulus has a complex paraboloid shape,easy distensibility, and lack of calcium, which could preclude the Heliodock, a simple tubular structure, from remaining in place.

Buchbinder and colleagues developed a docking system to anchortranscatheter aortic valves in the mitral position. They describe adocking system consisting of one or two self-expandable or balloonexpandable rings, composed of rigid and semi-rigid materials, forintra-atrial and/or intra-ventricular stabilization, with bridgingmembers that connect the rings and lock the transcatheter valve intoplace. The mitral valve annulus, flanked by thick fibrous trigones andin continuity with the thick left ventricular myocardium, has theexternal support to accommodate expandable rigid and semi-rigidmaterials.

Conversely, approximately three-quarters of the tricuspid valve annulushas minimal external support and is connected to the thin-walled anddistensible right atrium and right ventricle. Given the fragility ofthis annulus, any metal docking system, even while using a compliantmetal such as Nitinol, has a higher risk of erosion around the tricuspidannulus than any other valvular annulus. Moreover, any rigid orsemi-rigid anchoring device is likely to have malposition over timegiven that any tricuspid annulus can dilate over the course of weeks.

To address tricuspid annular dilatation, several transcatheterapproaches have been performed to reduce annular dimensions, allowingbetter tricuspid valve coaptation with reduction in TR. Investigators inthe SCOUT I trial describe using the Mitralign system (Mitralign Inc.,Tewksbury, Mass., USA) to place pledgeted sutures via a trans-jugulartransvenous approach into the tricuspid annulus, thereby shrinking theannular dimensions. Similarly, the TriCinch device (4Tech, Galway,Ireland) reduces the annular dimensions by a screw in the annulus thatis tensioned to a stent in the IVC. Mimicking a surgical ring, theCardioband device (Valtech, Edwards LifeScience, Irving, Calif.) is asemi-complete annuloplasty ring that can be delivered and fixed to thetricuspid annulus minimally invasively. In the same way, the Millipededevice (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass.) mimics a completesurgical annuloplasty ring and can be delivered minimally invasively.

Nonetheless, these approaches have limitations. The Mitralign system hasa steep learning curve, often leaving residual moderate to severe TR,does not fix leaflet abnormalities, and is less effective in presence ofintracardiac leads. Moreover, any further RV remodeling with leaflettethering would cause recurrent TR despite annular reduction. The samelimitations apply to the TriCinch device, which also has the downside ofrequiring a stent in the IVC. Although the Cardioband device providesmore complete annular reduction, it also leaves moderate to severe TR,and is less effective in the presence of leaflet abnormalities orintracardiac leads. Finally, the Millipede device, with its completering, provides the greatest annular reduction, but once again does notaddress leaflet abnormalities or intracardiac leads.

Other transcatheter approaches address TR by facilitating leafletcoaptation through direct device interaction with the leaflets.Parada-Campello and colleagues described their initial experience withthe Forma Repair System (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, Calif.). Thisdevice consists of a foam-filled polymer balloon that is positioned overan RV anchor, allowing the tricuspid leaflets to coapt against thespacer, given the leaflets functional competency, thereby reducing TR.Another device, the MitraClip (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, Ill., USA),is used to plicate leaflets together.

Both devices, however, suffer significant limitations. The Forma Repairsystem has a fixed size balloon, and any further annular dilatationand/or leaflet tethering after implantation leads to recurrent TR.Furthermore, initial human experience has demonstrated a high majoradverse event rate, including anchor dislodgement, pericardialtamponade, and emergent cardiac surgery. Tricuspid clipping with theMitraClip system is technically demanding with uncertainreproducibility, and moderate to severe residual TR is common. Likeannuloplasty techniques, the Forma Repair system and the MitraClipcannot treat TR effectively in the presence of significant leafletabnormalities or pacemaker leads.

In this regard, a transcatheter valve could solve the above problems,while minimizing risk of injury, if it could anchor without requiringleaflet or annulus fixation given the fragile tricuspid and rightventricular issue.

U.S. Patent Pub. No. US 2013/0172978 A1 describes a valve placed in themitral position with an atrial skirt, intra-annular valve, andventricular tether; this system does not require the annular or leafletfixation that other transcatheter valves without tethers require. Thisvalve, however, requires trans-apical access to the ventricle, whichwould be a very high-risk approach to the right ventricle. Also, thetether is fixed to the end of the valve. Thus, valve position isadjusted by pulling the tether through the trans-apical incision andsecuring it with an epicardial anchor, necessitating thoracotomy andaccess to the apex.

In contrast, the Lux valve (Ningbo Jenscare Biotechnology Co., LTD,Ningbo, China) is secured by a triangular paddle, fixed to the end ofthe valve, which anchors to the interventricular septum. Although theLux valve showed stable anchoring in a goat, these animals had small,nonglobular hearts (average tricuspid annular size ˜2.5 cm, compared to≥4 cm in humans). It is unclear how a fixed ventricular anchor willfunction in humans with severe TR, given the tremendous heterogeneity inbasal/longitudinal remodeling of the right ventricle in these patients.Additionally, many TR patients suffer right ventricular dysfunction, anda fixed tether to the right ventricular myocardium could, via physicalrestraint or induction of scarring, further compromise right ventricularfunction.

The NaviGate valve (NaviGate Cardiac Structures, Inc., Lake Forest,Calif.) does not require a tether because it anchors directly to thenative tricuspid valve using leaflet and annulus fixation. Althoughinitial human experience has not demonstrated right atrial orventricular injury, its anchoring mechanism to the leaflets and annulusprevents it from being repositionable or retrievable during theprocedure, which are important safety features. Furthermore, NaviGate'sannular anchoring mechanism requires a large valve, necessitating a verylarge delivery system, which limits truly percutaneous delivery toselect patients. The large size of NaviGate also precludes it from beingused as a docking system for commercially available transcatheter valvesin the event of its structural deterioration. Finally, given that itrequires full expansion against the annulus, it is unlikely this valvecan be implanted in the presence of prior tricuspid leaflet clippingwith the MitraClip, and is it likely this valve would damage anypre-existing intracardiac leads going across the tricuspid valve.

Accordingly, it remains desirable in the pertinent art to provide atranscatheter valve for placement across the tricuspid annulus that doesnot require annular anchoring, can be delivered without trans-apicalaccess, is repositionable and retrievable, can function in the presenceof any prior tricuspid repair, including tricuspid clips, can serve as adocking system for other transcatheter valves, and does not damageintracardiac leads.

SUMMARY

Presented herein is a medical assembly that is implanted minimallyinvasively across the tricuspid valve, for replacing the function of thenative tricuspid valve. The method disclosed herein implants thetricuspid valve through a vein or vein-like anatomical structureincluding, but not limited to, either internal jugular, eithersubclavian vein or either femoral vein. Accordingly, and beneficially,no portion of the system requires surgical thoracotomy and trans-apicalaccess for implantation.

In one aspect, the system comprises a transcatheter valve having anatrial sealing skirt configured to couple to and/or secure the valve tothe atrial floor and at least one tether, with each tether attached toone anchor, configured to couple and/or secure the valve to anintracardiac wall, including but not limited to, the ventricular freewall, the ventricular apex, or the interventricular septum.

The valve is a self-expanding valve composed of nitinol and bovine,equine, or porcine pericardial leaflets, according to one aspect. Inanother aspect, the atrial sealing skirt is covered with a membranehaving a diameter greater than the annulus at the site of deployment sothat in use the membrane substantially covers the tricuspid annulus.

The medical assembly includes an anchor delivery system and a valvedelivery system. The anchor delivery system introduces the anchor andattached tether, comprised of one or more cords, and secures the anchor.The valve delivery system provides for positioning of the valve and thesealing skirt thereon.

The at least one tether comprises at least one cord, with each cordfused to a suture, and the tether is connected to one anchor, comprisedof an anchor cap and anchor screw, which is configured to be screwedinto or otherwise securely attached to a portion of an intracardiacwall, such as the ventricular apex or interventricular septum. In oneaspect, an anchor cap is coupled to the anchor screw, and at least onecord of the tether can extend from the anchor cap through the tricuspidannulus. The valve and the sealing skirt are threaded onto the cord sothat the valve and the sealing skirt slidingly engage the cord. Inanother aspect, a suture is coupled to a proximal end of the cord andcan extend outside of the heart to be accessible by a user.

The valve delivery system further comprises at least one atrialpositioning rod having a distal end, an opposed proximal end and aninner rod lumen extending therebetween. A detachable lock is releasablycoupled to the distal end of each positioning rod. A portion of thesuture is inserted through the inner rod lumen and the positioning rodis advanced over the suture until the distal end of the rod is adjacentto the atrial sealing skirt. In one aspect, the positioning rod is usedto position the skirt in a desired position. In another aspect, rotationof the positioning rod can cause the detachable lock to engage the cordto secure the cord to the sealing skirt in the desired position.Continued rotation of the positioning rod can detach the lock from thepositioning rod and the rod is retracted from the heart.

Thus, the at least one cord of the tether couples the valve, via theanchor, to an intracardiac wall such as the ventricular apex orinterventricular septum while the at least one detachable lock in thelocked position prevents the proximal end of the cord from movingrelative to the sealing skirt thereby securely fixing the valve in placein the tricuspid annulus.

Related methods of implantation are also provided. Other apparatuses,methods, systems, features, and advantages of the medical devices andsystems that are implanted minimally invasively in the heart will be orbecome apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing figures and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional apparatuses, methods, systems, features, and advantages beincluded within this description, be within the scope of the medicalassembly that is implanted minimally invasively in the heart, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cut-away perspective view of a heart showing thetranscatheter valve system of the present application positioned in theheart, according to one aspect;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a tether, with its cords fused tosutures, connected to an anchor of the transcatheter valve of FIG. 1,according to one aspect;

FIG. 3A is a side elevational view of an anchor delivery system of thetranscatheter valve system of FIG. 1, according to one aspect;

FIG. 3B is a magnified side elevational view of the anchor deliverysystem of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an end view of the anchor delivery system of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the anchor delivery system of FIG. 3,in which a portion of the device is positioned in the right ventricle;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the anchor delivery system of FIG. 3,in which the anchor delivery system is delivering a portion of thetether, connected to the anchor, of FIG. 2 into the right ventricle;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the anchor delivery system of FIG. 3,in which the anchor delivery system is delivering a portion of thetether, connected to the anchor, of FIG. 2 into the right ventricle;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the tether, connected to the anchor, ofFIG. 2 positioned in the right ventricle;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of two tethers, each connected to ananchor of FIG. 2 positioned in a heart, according to one aspect;

FIG. 6B is a magnified view of the two tethers each connected to ananchor of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a valve delivery system of thetranscatheter valve system of FIG. 1 according to one aspect, in which aportion of the valve delivery system is positioned in the rightventricle;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a valve of the transcatheter valvesystem of FIG. 1 according to one aspect, in which the valve is beingpositioned in a tricuspid annulus by the valve delivery system of FIG.7A;

FIG. 7C is an end view of the valve of FIG. 7B;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a valve of the transcatheter valvesystem of FIG. 1, in which the valve is being positioned in thetricuspid annulus by the valve delivery system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a valve of the transcatheter valvesystem of FIG. 1, in which the valve has been positioned in thetricuspid annulus by the valve delivery system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a valve of the transcatheter valvesystem of FIG. 1, in which the valve is being locked into position inthe tricuspid annulus by atrial locks;

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a valve of the transcatheter valvesystem of FIG. 1, in which the valve is locked into position in thetricuspid annulus by atrial locks;

FIG. 10A is an elevational view of an atrial lock of the transcathetervalve system of FIG. 1, according to one aspect;

FIG. 10B is a magnified elevational view of the atrial lock of FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 11A-11D are progressive, elevational views illustrating theoperation of the atrial lock of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 12A is an elevational view of an atrial lock of the transcathetervalve system of FIG. 1, according to one aspect;

FIG. 12B is a magnified elevational view of the atrial lock of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is an elevational view of the atrial lock of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the atrial lock of FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A-14D are progressive, elevational views illustrating theoperation of the atrial lock of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14E is a perspective view of an atrial lock of the transcathetervalve system of FIG. 1, according to one aspect;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the transcatheter valve system of FIG.1 positioned in the heart and with sutures remaining;

FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the transcatheter valve system of FIG.1 positioned in the heart with all delivery devices retracted;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an epicardial tether system forpositioning an anchor in the pericardial space, according to one aspect;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which a portion of a catheter of the system has entered thepericardial space.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which the pericardial space has been insufflated.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which a J-wire has been inserted into the insufflated pericardialspace.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which an anchor delivery guide of the system approaches theinsufflated pericardial space.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which an anchor of the system is being positioned in theinsufflated pericardial space.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which an anchor of the system has been deployed in theinsufflated pericardial space.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the epicardial tether system of FIG.16, in which an anchor of the system has been deployed in theinsufflated pericardial space and delivery devices of the system havebeen retracted;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an interventricular tether system forpositioning an anchor in the left ventricle, according to one aspect;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which an RF wire of the system has crossed the septum andentered the left ventricle;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which a catheter of the system has crossed the septum andentered the left ventricle;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which a J-wire of the system has been advanced through thecatheter and into the left ventricle;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which a delivery guide of the system approaches the leftventricle;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which the delivery guide of the system has crossed theseptum and entered the left ventricle;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which an anchor of the system is being positioned in theleft ventricle;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which an anchor of the system has been deployed in the leftventricle; and

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the interventricular tether system ofFIG. 24, in which an anchor of the system has been deployed in the leftventricle and delivery devices of the system have been retracted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, and claims, and their previousand following description. Before the present system, devices, and/ormethods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that thisinvention is not limited to the specific systems, devices, and/ormethods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course,vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is notintended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. Thoseskilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes are made tothe aspects described, while still obtaining the beneficial results ofthe present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desiredbenefits of the present invention is obtained by selecting some of thefeatures of the present invention without utilizing other features.Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that manymodifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible andmay even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to a “tether” includes aspects having two or moretethers unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Ranges is expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/orto “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed,another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to theother particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not. As used herein “fluid” refers toany substance that is free to flow and include liquids, gases, andplasma. “Fluid communication” as used herein refers to any connection orrelative positioning permitting substances to freely flow between therelevant components.

The disclosure herein relates to a medical assembly 10 for implanting avalve minimally invasively in the heart 1 and methods of implantation ofportions of the assembly 10 to achieve replacement of the native heartvalve. FIG. 1 illustrates the transcatheter valve 12 which has beenimplanted so as to replace the native tricuspid valve (for example)according to the method disclosed herein and with the medical assembly10 disclosed herein. The assembly comprises a transcatheter valve 12having an atrial sealing skirt 14 configured to couple to the atrialfloor 16, and at least one tether 18 configured to connect the valve toat least one anchor 19 (FIG. 2), which affixes to an intracardiac wallsuch as the ventricular apex 20 as shown. The tether 18 may be anchoredby anchor 19 to any intracardiac wall, including, but limited to, theinterventricular septum, right ventricular apex, or right ventricularfree wall. For the sake of discussion only, the ventricular apex 20 isshown but it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention toanchor the tether 18 to any intracardiac wall. The medical assembly 10includes an anchor delivery system 50 (illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B)and a valve delivery assembly 100 (illustrated in FIG. 7A). The methodfor implanting the transcatheter tricuspid valve as herein shown anddescribed includes, generally, the method of steps of: utilizing theanchor delivery system 50 to deliver the anchor and the tether to securethe anchor to an intracardiac wall such as the ventricular apex;removing the anchor delivery system 50; utilizing the valve deliveryassembly 100 to position the valve and skirt; locking the atrial skirt;and removing the valve delivery assembly 100, thereby leaving the valvein place of the native tricuspid valve.

The Valve

The transcatheter valve 12 is sized and configured to replace thetricuspid valve between the right atrium 2 and right ventricle 3 asillustrated in FIG. 1. Optionally, however, with slight variations, thevalve is sized and configured to be positioned in the mitral annulusbetween the left atrium 4 and the left ventricle 5. Accordingly, then,while referring primarily to tricuspid valve replacement devices,systems and methods, it is understood that with slight variations, thesedevices, systems and methods may be used to replace other valves, suchas the mitral valve, the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve and the like.For the sake of discussion, only, the following description and attendeddrawings pertain to a tricuspid valve. With respect to the deliveryassemblies and methods, these may be used and practiced with anyappropriate valve replacement device. The disclosure herein is notlimited to the valve shown and described.

As shown, the valve 12 is a self-expanding valve (that is, the valve iscompressible so that it fits through a catheter of the assembly 10). Inone aspect, the valve 12 is composed of nitinol and bovine, equine, orporcine pericardial leaflets 19, shown in FIG. 7C. In another aspect,the valve 12 has a valve diameter that is smaller than or approximatelyequal to the annulus at the site of deployment 13, such as the tricuspidannulus, thereby preventing or reducing apposition to the fragiletricuspid annulus. The valve 12 is operatively connected to at least onetether 18 including at least one cord 32 for securing the valve 12within the heart as described below. At least one bore 15 is defined inthe outer wall 17 of the valve 12, according to another aspect and asillustrated in FIG. 7C. Each bore 15 is sized and shaped so that aportion of cord of the tether passes through the bore 15. Thus, eachcord 32 of the tether 18 is coupled to the valve without interferingwith any leaflet 19 of the valve. In a further aspect, (not shown) thevalve 12 may have anchoring elements positioned along its outerdiameter. These anchoring elements allow additional fixation totricuspid leaflets, but are not necessarily used as a primary fixationmechanism. Referring again to FIG. 1, an atrial sealing skirt 14 extendssubstantially circumferentially around the upper end of thetranscatheter valve 12. The skirt 14 is covered with a membrane and hasa diameter greater than the annulus at the site of deployment 13. Forexample, the sealing skirt 22 may have a skirt diameter greater than thediameter of the tricuspid annulus. In another aspect, the atrial skirtis formed by, but not limited to, synthetic materials from the classesconsisting of polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyester, expandedpolytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),silicone, natural or synthetic rubbers, or a combination thereof. Theatrial skirt may also be covered with adult or juvenile bovine, ovine,equine, or porcine pericardium. Optionally, at least a portion of theatrial skirt 14 is formed from alternative materials, such as, forexample and without limitation, polyurethane foam or saline-inflatablering with the ability for polymer exchange for solidification of thering.

In one aspect, the atrial sealing skirt 14 further comprises at leastone atrial anchor 238 such as member protruding through an anchor exitport 242 allows stability in the atrium. Stability in the atrium therebyprevents retrograde migration of the valve 12, such as in the event ofventricular anchor dysfunction and the like.

In another aspect, at least a portion of the atrial sealing skirt 14 hasone or more fixation members 24, illustrated in FIG. 15B, positionedalong its inferior edge, allowing further anchoring to the right atrialfloor 16 and/or other portions on the atrial side of the tricuspidannulus, preventing migration of the valve 12 into the proximal rightatrium 2, thereby preventing instability (e.g. rocking) and paravalvularregurgitation of prosthesis. Also, the atrial skirt 14 conforms to theatrial floor topography, including the ability to cover and sealintracardiac leads, such as permanent pacemaker leads. The ability ofthe atrial skirt 14 to seal over leads and prevent regurgitation aroundthem distinguishes this transcatheter valve system from othertranscatheter tricuspid repair systems.

The Tether and Anchor

Referring now to FIG. 2, the at least one tether 18 is operativelyconnected to the replacement valve 12 and connects the valve 12 to theanchor 19. The tether 18 includes at least one cord 32, and each cord 32is connected to a suture 34. The anchor 19 includes an anchor screw 28and an anchor cap 30. In one aspect, the anchor screw is coupled to andextends from a distal end 36 of the anchor cap, and the at least onecord 32 of the tether 18 is coupled to and extends from a proximal end38 of the anchor cap 30. That is, the anchor cap 30 is positionedbetween the anchor screw 28 and the cord 32. The anchor screw 28, ofanchor 19, is configured to securely attach the tether 18 to anintracardiac wall such as the ventricular apex 20 of the heart 1. Forexample, the anchor screw 28 is an active fixation screw comprisingthreads or a coil that is securely rotated into the ventricular apex.The anchor via the anchor screw is configured to securely attach thetether to an intracardiac wall such as the ventricular apex 20 of theheart without extending through the apex and outside of the heart. Thus,in this aspect, substantially no portion of the assembly 10 completelypenetrates and/or extends completely through any portion of the heartwall, and trans-apical access is not necessary. In a further aspect (notshown), rather than the anchor screw 28, a fixation mechanism composedof, but not limited to, nitinol, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, ortitanium alloys, in the shape of barbs, hooks, prongs and the like ispositioned at the distal end 36 of the anchor cap 30 to securely attachthe tether 18 to the ventricular apex 20 of the heart 1 withoutextending through the apex and outside of the heart.

The at least one cord 32 has a distal end 40 coupled to a portion of theanchor cap 30 and a proximal end 42 coupled to the suture 34. In oneaspect, the cord is a strong yet flexible cord such as, for example andwithout limitation, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) orultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE or UHMW) cord. In use,described more fully below, a central portion of the cord 32 (betweenthe distal end and the proximal end) extends through and/or is coupledto the valve 12 to hold the valve in the desired position relative tothe tricuspid annulus.

The Anchor Delivery System

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, 4A and 4B, the anchor delivery system 50for positioning and deploying the anchor cap 30 of anchor 19 at thedesired position is illustrated. The delivery system 50 comprises ananchor delivery guide 52 and an anchor delivery rod 54. In this aspect,the anchor delivery guide 52 has a distal end 56, an opposed proximalend 58 and an inner guide lumen 57 extending between the anchor deliveryguide tip 60 and the opposed proximal end 58, and is configured so thatat least a portion of the anchor delivery rod 54 extends therethrough.In another aspect, at least a portion of the anchor delivery guide 52 isflexible so that a tip 60 at the distal end of the anchor delivery guide52 is positioned at or adjacent to an intracardiac wall anchoring site62 such as the ventricular apex 20.

The anchor delivery rod 54 is configured to securely attach the anchorscrew 28 to the anchoring site 62. The anchor delivery rod 54 has adistal end 64, an opposed proximal end 66 and an inner rod lumen 59extending therebetween, the inner rod lumen 59 is sized and configuredso that at least a portion of the at least one tether 18 is insertedtherethrough. In another aspect, at least a portion of the anchordelivery rod 54 is flexible so that a rod tip 68 at the distal end ofthe anchor delivery rod 54 is positioned at or adjacent the intracardiacwall anchoring site 62 such as the ventricular apex 20.

As shown in FIG. 3B, a bore or socket 70 is defined in the rod tip 68 ofthe anchor delivery rod 54. The socket is sized and configured tomatingly engage the anchor cap 30. That is, at least a portion of theanchor cap is positioned in the socket 70 so that walls 72 of the socketengage the anchor cap. Thus, for example, when the anchor cap 30 ispositioned in and engages the socket 70, rotation of the anchor deliveryrod 54 rotates the anchor cap 30. Accordingly, the socket engages theanchor cap 30 and the anchor screw 28 extends distally from the anchordelivery rod 54 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. In a further aspect, when thesocket 70 engages the anchor cap 30, the at least one cord 32 and atleast a portion of the at least one suture 34 extends through the innerrod lumen of the anchor delivery rod 54.

The anchor delivery system 50 further comprises a guide handle 74 with adeflection knob 76 coupled to the anchor delivery guide 52. The guidehandle and the deflection knob are configured and used to help guide thetip 60 of the anchor delivery guide to the intracardiac wall anchoringsite 62 such as the ventricular apex 20. As shown in FIG. 3A, the anchordelivery system 50 includes a rod handle 78 coupled to the anchordelivery rod 54. In use, described more fully below, rotation of the rodhandle 78 correspondingly rotates the rod tip 68 and the anchor cap 30when the anchor cap 30 is received within the socket 70.

The anchor delivery system 50 includes a sheath 80 removably coupled tothe anchor delivery guide 52. The sheath 80 is in fluid communicationwith the anchor delivery guide 52 so that fluids, such as carbon dioxideand the like surround the anchor delivery guide through the sheath. Acentral sheath channel 84 is defined by the sheath 80 that is incommunication with the anchor delivery guide 52 so that the anchordelivery rod 54 and other system components extends through the centralsheath channel 84.

The anchor delivery system 50 optionally includes a J-wire 82, as shownin FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B that is guidable by the user to the anchoringsite 62. The J-wire is, for example and without limitation, a 0.025″ or0.035″ J-wire. Of course, J-wires having other diameters arecontemplated. As in any over-the-wire system, the J-wire is introducedfirst via sheath 80 into the right atrium 3, across the site ofdeployment 13, into the right ventricle 3, to the anchoring site 62. Byproviding a pathway for the anchor delivery guide 52 to track over toits final target, a J-wire increases the efficiency and safety of thisstep.

The Anchor Delivery Method

To install the valve 12 in the tricuspid annulus, as shown in FIG. 4A,the J-wire 82, serving as a guidewire, is inserted into the rightinternal jugular vein, enters the right atrium and approaches the anchorimplantation site 62. The anchor delivery system 50 is guided by theuser, along the length of the previously implanted J-wire 82, to theintracardiac wall anchoring site 62 such as the ventricular apex 20. Theanchor delivery guide tip 60 at the distal end 56 of the anchor deliveryguide 52 is positioned at or adjacent the anchoring site such as theventricular apex. As shown in FIG. 3A the, anchor delivery rod 54 andthe tether 18, connected to the anchor cap 30 and anchor screw 28 of theanchor 19, are positioned within the inner guide lumen 57 of the anchordelivery guide 52. The anchor cap 30 is coupled to the distal end 64 ofthe anchor delivery rod 54 with the cord 32 of the tether 18 positionedin the lumen 59 of the anchor delivery rod 54. The anchor delivery rod54 is advanced distally through the inner guide lumen of the anchordelivery guide 52 until the anchor cap 30 coupled to the distal end ofthe anchor delivery rod 54 is positioned at or adjacent the intracardiacwall anchoring site 62 such as the ventricular apex 20.

With the anchor screw 28 of the anchor 19, connected to tether 18 viaanchor cap 30, positioned adjacent to the anchoring site 62, theproximal end 66 of the anchor delivery rod 54 is rotated to causecorresponding rotation of the anchor cap 30 as illustrated in FIG. 4B.For example, the rotating handle 78 is rotated in a first direction tocause corresponding rotation of the anchor cap. The anchor screw coupledto the anchor cap 30 also rotates and screws into a portion of theintracardiac wall anchoring site 62 such as the ventricular apex 20until the distal end 36 of the anchor cap is adjacent to theintracardiac wall and/or the tether is securely attached thereto thewall. Note that in this position, the anchor screw 28 does not extendcompletely through any portion of the heart wall, and trans-apicalaccess is not necessary. Upon placement of the anchor cap 30 in thedesired position, the anchor delivery rod 54 and the anchor deliveryguide 52 of the anchor delivery system 50 are retracted from the heart 1as illustrated in FIG. 5A. As such, in FIG. 5B, the cords 32 of tether18, coupled to the anchor cap 30, are secured by the anchor screw 28 ofanchor 19, and remain within the right ventricle and the valve deliverysystem 100 is employed.

As shown in FIG. 5B, after placement of the anchor cap 30 of anchor 19,the at least one cord 32 of the tether 18 extends from the anchor capthrough the tricuspid annulus and into the right atrium 2. A suture 34is coupled to the proximal end of each cord and extends through thesuperior (or inferior) vena cava and out of the heart 1.

If more than one tether 18, connected to an anchor 19, is delivered,each anchor 19 is secured by its anchor screw 28, and this process isrepeated until all tethers, connected to anchors, have been securelyattached to the heart wall. In one aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 6Aand 6B, the assembly 10 utilizes two anchors and tethers, three anchorsand tethers, four anchors and tethers, or more anchors and tethers arealso contemplated.

With the anchor screw 28 secured to the ventricular apex and the tether18 in place, the valve delivery assembly 100 may now be utilized tointroduce and position the valve 12.

The Valve Delivery System

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the valve delivery assembly 100 forpositioning and deploying the valve 12 at the desired deployment site 13is illustrated. As shown, the valve delivery assembly 100 comprises avalve delivery guide 102, a nosecone 104, a valve deployment knob 106and at least one atrial positioning rod 108. In this aspect, the valvedelivery guide has a distal end 110, an opposed proximal end 112 and aninner guide lumen 114 extending therebetween, the inner guide lumensized and configured so that the valve 12 and other system components isextended therethrough. In another aspect, at least a portion of thevalve delivery guide 102 is flexible so that a tip 116 at the distal endof the valve delivery guide is positioned past the deployment site 13and into the right ventricle 3.

The valve deployment knob 106 is coupled to the proximal end 112 of thevalve delivery guide 102. A central channel 118 is defined by the valvedeployment knob 106 and is in fluid communication with the inner guidelumen 114 so that the atrial positioning rod 108, the J-wire 82 and/orthe at least one suture 34 extend through the central channel 118 andinto the inner guide lumen 114. In another aspect, the valve deploymentknob 106 is rotatable and configured such that rotation of the knob 106in a first direction causes the sheath 102 around the valve 12 to beremoved. The nosecone 104 may be a conventional nosecone coupled to thevalve delivery guide 102 and configured to guide the valve 12 to thedeployment site 13.

With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the at least one atrial positioningrod 108 has a distal end 120, an opposed proximal end 122 and an innerrod lumen 124 extending there between, the inner rod lumen being sizedand configured so that a portion of a suture 34 and/or a cord 32 isinserted therethrough. In another aspect, at least a portion of theatrial positioning rod 108 is flexible so that the distal end 120 of theatrial positioning rod is positioned at or adjacent to the deploymentsite 13.

The Atrial Skirt Lock

The at least one atrial positioning rod 108 comprises a detachable lock126 positioned on or adjacent the distal end 120 of the rod, asillustrated in FIGS. 9-14. In one aspect, the detachable lock isconfigured to securely attach the at least one cord 32 to a portion ofthe right atrium 2. Thus, the distal end 40 of the cord is securelyattached to the anchor cap 30 in the right ventricle 3, and thedetachable lock 126 securely attaches the cord 32 in the right atrium.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11A-11D illustrate one embodiment of the detachablelock 126. In one aspect, the lock has a first end 128, an opposed secondend 130 and a sidewall 132 that cooperate to define a central cavity134. In another aspect, the first end is threaded and configured tomatingly engage complementary threads on the distal end 120 of theatrial positioning rod 108. An opening 136 is defined in each of thefirst and second ends of the lock 126 so that a portion of the cord 32extends through both openings and through the central cavity. In use,described more fully below, the detachable lock is selectively attachedto the atrial positioning rod by rotating the rod 108 in a firstdirection, and the detachable lock 126 is selectively detached from theatrial positioning rod by rotating the rod 108 in a second directionthat is opposed to the first direction.

In one aspect, the detachable lock 126 further comprises a clamp 138movable about and between a first locked position, in which a portion ofthe clamp secures the cord 32 in the desired position, and a secondunlocked position, in which the clamp does not secure the cord in thedesired position. A biasing member 140 such as a spring and the like isconfigured to urge the clamp 138 to the first locked position. A tab 135or other protrusion extending away from the distal end 120 of the atrialpositioning rod 108 is configured to maintain the clamp in the second,unlocked position when the detachable lock is attached to the rod 108.

FIGS. 12A-14D illustrate another embodiment of a detachable lock 226. Inone aspect, the lock has a first end 228, an opposed second end 230 anda sidewall 232 that cooperate to define a central cavity 234. In anotheraspect, the first end is threaded and configured to matingly engagecomplementary threads on the distal end 120 of the atrial positioningrod 108. An opening 236 is defined in each of the first and second endsof the lock 226 so that a portion of the cord 32 extends through bothopenings and through the central cavity. In use, described more fullybelow, the detachable lock is selectively attached to the atrialpositioning rod by rotating the rod 108 in a first direction, and thedetachable lock 226 is selectively detached from the atrial positioningrod by rotating the rod 108 in a second direction that is opposed to thefirst direction.

In one aspect, the detachable lock 226 further comprises an atrialanchor 238 movable about and between a first locked position, in which aportion of the atrial anchor secures the cord 32 in the desiredposition, and a second unlocked position, in which the atrial anchordoes not secure the cord in the desired position. A biasing member 240such as a spring and the like is configured to urge the atrial anchor238 to the first locked position. A tab 135 or other protrusionextending away from the distal end 120 of the atrial positioning rod 108is configured to maintain the atrial anchor in the second, unlockedposition when the detachable lock is attached to the rod 108.

In one aspect, an anchor exit port 242 is defined in a portion of thesidewall 232 of the detachable lock 226. In this aspect, the anchor exitport is sized and shaped so that, in the first locked position, a hook244 or other grasping element positioned on a tip of 246 of the atrialanchor extends through the port 242 and outside of the central cavity234. In use, in the first locked position, the hook securely anchors thedetachable lock (and thus, the cord 32) to a portion of the atrium 2.With reference now to FIG. 15, the assembly 10 further comprises asuture cutter 148 sized and configured to pass over the at least onesuture 34 through the valve delivery sheath 80 to cut the at least onesuture 34.

In use, the assembly 10 implants the valve 12 with a transcatheterapproach by placing a right ventricular anchor first. The valve positionwould not require pulling a tether 18 through an intracardiac wall suchas the ventricular apex 20 of the heart 1, because the valve 12 movesfreely over the tether until the desired valve position is achieved.After the desired valve position is achieved, the at least one atrialpositioning rod 108 urges the atrial sealing skirt 14 into position andis locked into place via a detachable lock 126, 226 at the end of eachpositioning rod. The valve is repositioned or retrieved until release ofthe sutures 34 that extend through each atrial positioning rod 108.

FIG. 14E illustrates another embodiment of a detachable lock 526. In oneaspect, the lock has a first end 528, an opposed second end 530 and asidewall 532 that cooperate to define a central cavity 534. In anotheraspect, the first end is threaded and configured to matingly engagecomplementary threads on the distal end 120 of the atrial positioningrod 108. An opening 536 is defined in each of the first and second endsof the lock 526 so that a portion of the cord 32 extends through bothopenings and through the central cavity. In use, described more fullybelow, the detachable lock is selectively attached to the atrialpositioning rod by rotating the rod 108 in a first direction, and thedetachable lock 526 is selectively detached from the atrial positioningrod by rotating the rod 108 in a second direction that is opposed to thefirst direction.

In one aspect, the detachable lock 526 further comprises at least oneatrial anchor 538 movable about and between a first locked position, inwhich a portion of the atrial anchor secures the cord 32 in the desiredposition, and a second unlocked position, in which the atrial anchordoes not secure the cord in the desired position. Optionally, the atrialanchor comprises a first atrial anchor 542 and a second atrial anchor544. In another aspect, the atrial anchor comprises a cam lever arm. Abiasing member 540 such as a spring and the like is configured to urgethe atrial anchor 538 to the first locked position. In a further aspect,the biasing member is a compressible polymer. A tab 135 or otherprotrusion extending away from the distal end 120 of the atrialpositioning rod 108 is configured to maintain the atrial anchor in thesecond, unlocked position when the detachable lock is attached to therod 108.

In one aspect, an anchor exit port 546 is defined in a portion of thesidewall 532 of the detachable lock 526. In this aspect, the anchor exitport is sized and shaped so that, in the first locked position, aportion 548 of the atrial anchor 538 extends through the port 546 andoutside of the central cavity 534. In use, in the first locked position,the atrial anchor securely anchors the detachable lock (and thus, thecord 32) to a portion of the atrium 2.

With reference now to FIG. 15, the assembly 10 optionally furthercomprises a suture cutter 148 sized and configured to pass through thevalve delivery sheath 80 to cut the at least one suture 34.

The Valve Delivery and Positioning Method

In use, the assembly 10 implants the valve 12 with a transcatheterapproach by placing a right ventricular anchor first. The valve positionwould not require pulling a tether 18 through an intracardiac wall suchas the ventricular apex 20 of the heart 1, because the valve 12 movesfreely over the tether until the desired valve position is achieved.After the desired valve position is achieved, the at least one atrialpositioning rod 108 urges the atrial sealing skirt 14 into position andis locked into place via a detachable lock 126, 226 at the end of eachpositioning rod. The valve is repositioned or retrieved until release ofthe sutures 34 that extend through each atrial positioning rod 108.

Referring now to FIG. 7A, the valve delivery assembly 100 can then beinserted over the J-wire 82 and into a portion of the heart 1. Beforethe valve delivery guide 102 is inserted into sheath 80 en route to theheart, the valve 12 is preloaded into the distal end 110 of the valvedelivery guide 102. At least a portion of the suture 34 is threadedthrough the at least one bore 15 defined in the outer wall 17 of thevalve 12, illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, tracking into the inner guidelumen 114 of the valve delivery guide 102. As the valve 12, insidedistal end 110, and the valve delivery guide 102 move as a unit overJ-wire 82, a portion of the at least one cord can extend through andaway from the distal end 110 of the valve delivery guide, and a portionof the at least one suture can extend through and away from the proximalend 112 of the valve delivery guide 102. The valve delivery guide ispositioned so that the tip 116 at the distal end of the valve deliveryguide 102 is passed through the deployment site 13 and into the rightventricle 3.

The valve 12, which has been preloaded into the distal end 110 of thevalve delivery guide 102, is positioned at deployment site 13. In oneaspect, and prior to insertion into the valve delivery guide, eachsuture 34 is threaded through the at least one bore 15 defined in theouter wall 17 of the valve 12, illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C. Inanother aspect, similar bores (not shown) is defined in the atrialsealing skirt 14 so that each suture is threaded through the boredefined in the sealing skirt. As the valve 12 and valve delivery guide102 are moved as a unit toward the deployment site, the valve 12 willreach the end of the suture and a portion of the cord 32 will becomethreaded through the bore 15 defined in the valve. In one aspect, thevalve 12 and valve delivery guide 102 can slide up and down the at leastone cord until the desired deployment site 13 has been reached. That is,the valve is free floating on the cord 32 until locked in placed by thedetachable lock 126, 226.

As is appreciated, with the valve 12 in the desired deployment site 13,the valve deployment knob 106 retracts the distal end 110 of the valvedelivery guide 102 while the valve 12 remains fixed in position, thereby“unsheathing” the valve 12 so that the valve and/or the atrial sealingskirt 14 will expand to its full, uncompressed size. Optionally, in oneaspect, because the valve position is adjusted, the valve deploymentknob 106 is used to retract the distal end 110 of the valve deliveryguide 102, thereby “unsheathing” the valve 12 so that the valve and/orskirt will expand to its full, uncompressed size with the valve near thedesired deployment site.

An atrial positioning rod 108 is then be inserted over each suture 34such that a portion of each suture is in the inner rod lumen 124 and aportion of each suture extends from the proximal end 122 of thepositioning rod. With reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the positioning rod108 is inserted through the valve delivery guide 102 until a portion ofthe cord 32 is in the inner rod lumen and the distal end 120 of thepositioning rod (with the detachable lock 126, 226 attached thereto) isadjacent to the atrial sealing skirt 14. The positioning rods 108 arepushed down by the user until the sealing skirt is in a desired positionrelative to the tricuspid annulus. With the sealing skirt 14 and thevalve 12 in a desired position at the deployment site 13, each suture 34is pulled taut by the user, which will in turn pull slack through theinner rod lumen 124 until each cord 32 is taut. For example, the end ofa suture that extends from the proximal end 122 of the atrialpositioning rod is pulled by a user to adjust tension in thecorresponding cord. In one aspect, differential tension is applied tothe cord 32 by adjusting the force applied to the suture 34. Forexample, if the user pulls a first suture harder than a second suture34, the tension in the cord 32 corresponding to the first suture ishigher than the tension in the cord coupled to the second suture 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, each atrial positioning rod 108 isthen rotated in a first direction to lock each detachable lock 126, 226against the atrial sealing skirt 14 and to the cord 32. Thus, the valve12 is locked by the detachable lock on the atrial side of the tricuspidannulus. Continued rotation in the first direction detaches the lock126, 226 from the positioning rod. When the lock has been detached fromthe positioning rod 108, the rod is retracted from the heart 1 throughthe valve delivery guide 102. With the positioning rods 108 retracted,the cord 32 of the at least one tether 18 couples the valve to theintracardiac anchor wall such as the ventricular apex 20. The detachablelock 126, 226 in the locked position prevents the proximal end 42 of thecord from moving relative to the sealing skirt 14, thereby securelyfixing the valve 12 in place in the deployment site 13.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, with the valve 12 securely fixed inthe deployment site 13, the suture cutter 148 is advanced over thesutures 34 and to the detachable lock 126, 226. The suture cutter thencuts the distal end of each suture just above the detachable lock. Thesutures and the suture cutter are then removed from the heart 1.

In one aspect, prior to cutting of the sutures 34, the valve 12 isretrieved or repositioned. For example, if it is determined that thevalve is to be removed or repositioned, an atrial positioning rod 108 ispositioned over each suture so that a portion of the suture is in theinner rod lumen 124. When the distal end 120 of the positioning rod isadjacent to or in contract with the detachable lock 126, 226, rotationof the positioning rod 108 in a second direction that is opposed to thefirst direction attaches the detachable lock to the distal end of thepositioning rod. Continued rotation in the second direction unlocks thelock from the cord 32. With each cord unlocked, the valve is removedfrom and/or repositioned in the deployment site 13.

In another aspect, the valve 12 could be repositioned and/or removeddays to weeks after valve deployment. In this aspect, the sutures arenot cut, but wrapped around a spool or other wrapping device. Thisdevice could then be attached to the atrial skirt 14 of the valve 12.Days after deployment of the valve and completion of the procedure, thespool/wrapping device could be re-captured, allowing un-wrapping andretrieval of the sutures. An atrial positioning rod 108 could bepositioned over each suture so that a portion of the suture is in theinner rod lumen 124. When the distal end 120 of the positioning rod isadjacent to or in contract with the detachable lock 126, 226, rotationof the positioning rod 108 in the second direction that is opposed tothe first direction attaches the detachable lock to the distal end ofthe positioning rod. Continued rotation in the second direction unlocksthe lock from the cord 32. With each cord unlocked, the valve is removedfrom and/or repositioned in the deployment site 13.

The Epicardial Tether System

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 16-23, the assembly 10 comprisesan epicardial tether system 300 for positioning an anchor 302 in thepericardial space 304. In one aspect, the epicardial tether comprises acatheter 306, a CO₂ gas line 308 and a manifold 310. In another aspect,the catheter is a micro-catheter having a distal end 312 configured tobe screwed and/or otherwise urged through at least a portion of the wallof the heart 1. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 16, the distalend of the micro-catheter engages the endocardium 314 of the heart. Themicro-catheter 306 also has a proximal end 316 opposed to the distal endand an inner catheter lumen 318. The proximal end of the micro-catheteris coupled to the CO₂ gas line 308 and the manifold 310 so that the CO₂gas line and the manifold are in sealed fluid communication with theinner catheter lumen.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the distal end 312 of the micro-catheter 306is urged through the heart wall until the distal end of themicro-catheter is positioned in the pericardial space 304 by thepericardium 320. In one aspect, a contrasting agent 322 is injected fromthe manifold 310 through the inner catheter lumen 318 and into thepericardial space to verify that the distal end 312 of themicro-catheter 306 is in the pericardial space 304.

Once the distal end 312 of the micro-catheter 306 has been positioned inthe pericardial space 304, carbon dioxide is injected from the CO₂ gasline 308 through the inner catheter lumen 318 and into the pericardialspace 304 to insufflate the space, illustrated in FIG. 18.

In one aspect, the J-wire 82 is then advanced through the inner catheterlumen 318 and into the pericardial space 304 as illustrated in FIG. 19.With the J-wire in place, the catheter 306 is removed from the heart 1.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the anchor deliveryguide 52 is inserted over the J-wire 82 until the tip 60 at the distalend 56 of the anchor delivery guide is positioned at or adjacent ananchoring site 324 in the pericardial space 304. The anchor delivery rod54 is inserted through the inner guide lumen of the anchor deliveryguide 52 until the distal end 64 of the anchor delivery rod ispositioned in the pericardial space 304.

The anchor 302 of the epicardial tether system 300 is coupled to thedistal end 64 of the anchor delivery rod 54. In one aspect, the anchoris a self-expanding anchor (that is, the anchor is compressible so thatit fits through the inner guide lumen of the anchor delivery guide 52).As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, when the anchor 302 positioned on thedistal end of the anchor delivery rod reaches the pericardial space 304,the anchor expands to its full size, thereby locking the anchor 302 inplace. A left ventricle portion 326 of the anchor extends through theendocardium and into the left ventricle.

In one aspect, the at least one cord 32 is coupled to the anchor 302prior to deployment in the pericardial space 304. For example, the cordis coupled to the anchor such that the cord is positioned in the innerrod lumen of the anchor delivery rod 54. Thus, when the anchor deliveryrod is removed from the heart, as illustrated in FIG. 23, the cordextends from the anchor 302 in the pericardial space through thetricuspid annulus and superior (or inferior) vena cava to outside of theheart. In this aspect, then, the valve 12, detachable locks 126, 226,suture 34 and the like is coupled to the cord 32 as previouslydescribed. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, forthe anchor to be untethered or uncoupled from the valve upon insertion.As is appreciated, the carbon dioxide in the pericardial space 304 isresorbed and the pericardium returns to its normal position.

The Interventricular Tether System

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 24-32, the assembly 10comprises an interventricular tether system 400 for positioning ananchor 402 in the left ventricle 5. In one aspect, the interventriculartether system tether comprises a catheter 406, a radiofrequency (“RF”)generator 408 and a RF wire 410 electrically coupled to the RFgenerator. In another aspect, the catheter is a wire delivery catheterhaving a distal end 412 configured to be positioned adjacent to or nearthe septum 7 of the heart 1. In use, RF generated by the RF generator408 urges a distal end 414 of the RF wire to penetrate the septum,moving from the right ventricle 3 into the left ventricle 5 as shown inFIGS. 24 and 25.

Referring now to FIG. 26, the catheter 406 is then urged into the leftventricle 5. For example, if a portion of the distal end 412 of thecatheter is threaded, rotation of the catheter 406 urges the distal endacross the septum 7 and into the left ventricle. With a portion of thecatheter in the left ventricle, the RF wire is retracted and the J-wire82 is inserted through the catheter 406 until a portion of the J-wire isin the left ventricle 5, illustrated in FIG. 27.

In another aspect, illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, the anchor deliveryguide 52 is inserted over the J-wire 82 until the tip 60 at the distalend 56 of the anchor delivery guide is positioned at or adjacent ananchoring site 416 in the left ventricle 5. The anchor delivery rod 54is inserted through the inner guide lumen of the anchor delivery guide52 until the distal end 64 of the anchor delivery rod is positioned inthe left ventricle, illustrated in FIG. 30.

The anchor 402 of the interventricular tether system 400 is coupled tothe distal end 64 of the anchor delivery rod 54. In one aspect, theanchor is a self-expanding anchor (that is, the anchor is compressibleso that it fits through the inner guide lumen of the anchor deliveryguide 52). As illustrated in FIGS. 31 and 32, when the anchor 402positioned on the distal end of the anchor delivery rod reaches the leftventricle 5, the anchor exits the inner guide lumen of the anchordelivery guide and expand to its full size, thereby locking the anchor402 in place. As illustrated in FIG. 32, a right ventricle portion 418of the anchor extends through the septum 7 and into the right ventricle3.

In one aspect, the at least one cord 32 is coupled to the rightventricle portion 418 of the anchor 402 prior to deployment in the leftventricle 3. For example, the cord is coupled to the anchor such thatthe cord is positioned in the inner lumen of the anchor delivery rod 54.Thus, when the anchor delivery rod is removed from the heart 1, asillustrated in FIG. 32, the cord extends from the right ventricleportion of the anchor 402 through the tricuspid annulus. In this aspectthen, the valve 12, detachable locks 126, 226 and the like is coupled tothe cord 32 as previously described. It is within the scope of thepresent invention, however, for the anchor to be untethered or uncoupledfrom the valve upon insertion.

In another aspect, the interventricular anchor 402 is a screw, similarto anchor screw 28, or a fixation mechanism composed of, but not limitedto, nitinol, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium, or titanium alloys, inthe shape of barbs, hooks, prongs. This type of interventricular anchorcould be delivered by the anchor delivery rod 54 via an anchor deliveryguide 52.

Although several aspects of the invention have been disclosed in theforegoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and other aspects of the invention will come tomind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teachingpresented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It isthus understood that the invention is not limited to the specificaspects disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and otheraspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as wellas in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic anddescriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the describedinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical assembly for minimally invasivelyimplanting a valve in the heart at a valve deployment site comprising: avalve configured for endovascular introduction and configured and sizedto replace a native heart valve and defining at least one aperture; aremovable valve delivery system for positioning and sealing the valvecomprising a valve delivery guide defining an inner guide lumen andhaving a proximal and distal end, said valve delivery guide lumenconfigured for receipt of said valve; at least one cord extendingthrough said valve aperture and extending within inner guide lumen; andsaid valve delivery system comprises at least one positioning roddefining a central lumen for selectively receiving said cord whereinsaid positioning rod is positioned proximal to said valve, along saidcord and cooperates with an upper surface of said valve to position saidvalve.
 2. A medical assembly according to claim 1 further comprising atleast one suture extending from a proximal end of said at least one cordwherein said at least one cord and said at least one suture selectivelyextends within said positioning rod central lumen.
 3. A medical assemblyaccording to claim 2 further comprises at least two of said at least onecord and at least two of said sutures extending from the proximal end ofa respective one of said at least two cords, and said valve deliverysystem comprises at least two positioning rods for selectively receivinga respective one of said at least two cords and one of said at least twosutures.
 4. A medical assembly according to claim 1 further comprising adetachable valve lock to secure said cord in said valve aperture.
 5. Amedical assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a tetherassembly including at least one cord connected to said valve foroperatively anchoring said valve to an intracardiac wall.
 6. The medicalassembly according to claim 5 wherein said tether assembly furthercomprises at least one suture extending from a proximal end of said atleast one cord and wherein said at least one of said suture and said atleast one cord selectively extend through said inner guide lumen andcooperate with said valve, and said at least one suture extends beyondthe inner guide lumen proximal end.
 7. The medical assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said removable valve delivery system comprises a valvedeployment knob defining a central channel in fluid communication withsaid inner guide lumen wherein said valve deployment knob is operativelyconnected to said valve delivery guide wherein rotation of saiddeployment knob selectively extends and retracts said valve deliveryguide within said delivery knob.
 8. The medical assembly according toclaim 1 wherein a distal portion of said valve delivery guide isflexible.
 9. The medical assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidvalve delivery system further comprises a nosecone positioned on adistal end of said valve delivery guide and configured to guide thevalve through the valve delivery guide to the valve deployment site. 10.The medical assembly according to claim 6 wherein said valve defines anaperture and said at least one suture, selectively, extends through saidvalve aperture and said valve delivery guide further comprises at leastone positioning rod defining a central lumen for selectively receivingsaid at least one suture wherein said positioning rod is positionedproximal to said valve, along said at least one suture and said at leastone cord and cooperates with an upper surface of said valve to positionsaid valve.
 11. The medical assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidremovable valve delivery system comprises a valve deployment knobdefining a central channel in fluid communication with said inner guidelumen and said positioning rod extends through said valve deploymentknob central channel.
 12. The medical assembly according to claim 5wherein said tether assembly comprising said at least one cord comprisesat least two of said cords and said at least one suture comprises atleast two of said at least one sutures, each extending from the proximalend of a respective one of said at least two cords, and said valvedelivery system comprising said at least one positioning rod comprisestwo of said at least one positioning rods, each for selectivelyreceiving a respective one of said at least two cords and one of said atleast two sutures.